In this article, LinuxDevices.com columnist Jerry Epplin explains the “real” significance of the release of Linux kernel 2.4, provides some perspective on the new features contained in 2.4, and transports us into the not-too-distant future to see where Linux is most likely to be five years from now. Epplin writes . . .

“Most Linux users have heard by now of the release of version 2.4 of the kernel, an event sure to trigger a flood of new versions of all of the major Linux distributions.”

“Actually, to the hardcore Linux user, the release of 2.4 as a 'stable' kernel has little practical significance. After all, numerous 2.4 'test' releases have been usable for most purposes for months while obscure bugs were being tracked down; and there are sure to be more minor bugs found in the 2.4 tree over time.”

“In the closed-source world, releases are a big deal because they are seen very seldom and usually contain major feature additions. By contrast, an open-source software release is essentially a milestone — a declaration that what was already available is now stable.”

“Thus, it's amusing to read uninformed opinions about how 2.4 was 'vaporware' and 'behind schedule.' In reality, the latest Linux is always constantly available! Get this: open-source projects just don't have formal schedules in the sense that closed, commercial projects do.”

“Still, the occasion of the release of 2.4 seems a good time to summarize the improvements that have been made in Linux since the release of 2.2.”

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